Nevis Premier’s Rep calls for change from discord to brotherhood in 2013
Mr. Daniel who stood in for Premier Parry, in brief remarks at the annual event hosted by the Ministry of Social Development, told the attendees he believed they knew what they had to do to engender brotherhood in the year ahead as he wished them a blessed season.
“I believe we know what we are supposed to do. I believe we have the strength, the courage and the understanding to do what is correct to guide our children and our young people and to continue to show care and love to our older citizens.
“I think as we close out the year 2012, we have done well as a people and we look forward to working to continue to develop Nevis ensuring that we keep the motto alive ‘country above self’. May all of you have a bright and prosperous Christmas and New Year God bless,” he said.
Meantime, the Premier’s Advisor applauded the Patron, Charlestown Businessman and resident Mr. Arthur Evelyn and announced names of four persons honoured one in each parish by the Department of Community Development, for their outstanding contribution to community development.
“I also want to join you in giving a round of applause to Mr Evelyn the Patron for the night. What we have done this year is to have an honouree for each parish. In St. Thomas its Ms. Rubylette Thomas, we have Ms. Bridgette Hunkins St. Pauls in St. Georges we have Mr. Miguel Mills in St. Johns we have Ms. Jean Hendrickson and in St. James Mrs. Eileen Weekes Walwyn,” he said.
Mr. Daniel who described the Christmas Tree Lighting as a momentous occasion, acknowledged all who shared in the occasion. He noted that the Christmas Season had to be an important lesson for all and urged the public to find ways to strengthen the community as a form of support for all.
“Christmas marks a moment to pause to reflect and believe in the possibilities of rebirth and renewal. Christ birth in Bethlehem so long ago remains a powerful symbol of hope for a brighter future.
“As we come together among family and friends and look forward to the coming year, I hope that in the months to come, we shall be able to find ways of strengthening our communities as a form of sure support and comfort for us all. I want to remind all of us that many persons started the year with us and many are not here with us,” he said.
Mr. Daniel also reminded that thanks for the blessings bestowed throughout the year should be given since the same could not be said for many in other parts of the world.
“I want to remind us all that right across the world there are several persons and several communities and several countries particularly in Europe, who have life much harder than in Nevis and as we have a favourite sound that says ‘the good things that we have are for many just a dream’ so we must be thankful for the good things that we have got.
“We must be thankful that throughout the year we have been able to feed and clothe our families and that nobody in Nevis despite the difficult economic situation nobody has gone hungry, nobody is homeless and everybody is able to welcome the celebration of Christmas,” he said.
The lighting of the Christmas tree in Charlestown was the first of almost 18 such events which would be held throughout communities throughout the island with the last planned for December 22nd.
He urged persons to support the various village tree lighting ceremonies and to participate in them. According to the Advisor, the lights of Christmas should help to spread the spirit and light of love across the community of Nevis throughout the year because at that time of year the spirit of sharing and caring was rekindled.
“If we take the spirit of Christmas throughout the year we would have a glorious community.
“I want therefore, on behalf of the Hon. Premier to wish for you a blessed Christmas and a bright and prosperous 2013. I want also to say from my own behalf and on behalf of my family to wish for you a bright and prosperous 2013 and of course a blessed Christmas,” he said.
